Alpine confirm Piastri for F1 young driver test

Alpine has confirmed F2 championship leader and 2022 reserve driver Oscar Piastri will take part for the team in the post-season F1 young driver test.

Australian Piastri extended his lead in the race for the F2 title in Saudi Arabia in the first event since his promotion to Alpine reserve driver was confirmed in the wake of Guanyu Zhou's move to Alfa Romeo for 2022.

The annual young driver test is an opportunity for teams to field junior drivers to gain experience in F1 machinery and continue the flow of talent through the 'career ladder'.

“I’m very excited to drive in the young driver test," said Piastri.

"It’s almost like my first official day in my new job for next year when I become the team’s reserve driver.

"Any day in an F1 car is pretty special but to drive the current one with other drivers on track in a somewhat competitive environment is very cool.

"Thanks to the team for this opportunity, I’m certainly looking forward to it and working through a very full testing programme on the day.”

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi added: “Oscar has had a fantastic Formula 2 season this year, again showing his class, and this young driver test appearance is well earned.

"This test will be part of Oscar’s ongoing development as he prepares to become the team’s reserve driver for 2022, to aid and assist Fernando [Alonso] and Esteban [Ocon] and our development teams on and off the track.

"In parallel, as Oscar gets up to speed with the current car, we will already be looking forward to 2022 with our current drivers as they experience the new 18” tyres for next year.

"It’s a good opportunity for us to learn in preparation for the challenges of the next year on all fronts.”

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